31 Days to Becoming an Author: Writer vs. Author

UPDATE: When I set out to write this series of posts, I NEVER imagined it would be as popular as it has become. But in the almost year since I published this series, it’s gotten consistent traffic, and remains my highest trafficked post via Pinterest to date. So…

I have decided to publish this series as an ebook. 30 Days to Becoming a Writer will release on Amazon on August 25, 2014.

No, that’s not a typo – The book is a 30 Day Guide, not 31 Day Guide. I condensed the material into readable chapters, and organized it in a way that gives readers a comprehensive guide to writing and publishing in an easily digestible format.

I will be removing the posts from this space in an effort to preserve the integrity of the book, but as soon as the book goes live, I will include the link where you can purchase these posts for your online library.

My hope and desire it that people will be inspired to continue to create, to write, and ultimately, to author the words that float in their heads and hearts. I’m so honored to have you all on this journey with me. I hope that you will benefit in your career as a writer from the tips offered in 30 Days to Becoming an Author. For more information on the book, and for more Pinterest-worthy images to promote it, go to KelliStuart.com.

Comments

The word author definitely makes me think along the lines of someone who could manage to produce an entire book, published or otherwise. I don’t think I could ever write something that complex and lengthy. I am in awe of you for doing it. I even have trouble assigning myself the term “writer” just because I blog, because if we were not on this trip I would not blog. On the days when the words just won’t cooperate I hear this mantra: “You’re not a writer, you’re a photographer with a good vocabulary and friends who want to live vicariously through you.” But I know all that is largely a confidence issue. I mean, someone is willing to pay me to do a little travel writing and they call me an author. It took me at least five years to be able to look in the mirror and call myself Photographer. I’m just glad I don’t have to make a full living doing either one, because it’s getting harder and harder and it’s not like the price of Nutella is going down 🙂

I am a writer. When inspired I write fluid words that in turn inspire. But the work of a writer, or shall I say the practice of a writer, is to write when not inspired: For the craft if not the love. That’s why I long for both more time and inspiration. To flow at times, to pound it out as a discipline on other days, and hopefully, at some point, to see something published.

I LOVE that – writing even when not inspired is what separates those who are dedicated from those who are not. Writing is discipline AND inspiration. Something those things go hand in hand – sometimes they don’t. The key is to keep writing no matter what.

I definitely think of published writers when I hear the word author. I have a blog, but have not (yet!) published a book. Therefore it’s never crossed my mind to think of myself as an author (again, yet!). It’s really weird…before I started blogging, I never even really thought of myself as a writer, either. But now I’m addicted. I have book ideas, and am dying to see them come to fruition. So you can only imagine how much I’m looking forward to reading this series! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with the world!

Thanks for taking the time to write this series. (I’ve commited, too. Is it only Day 3?!) I’ve also got a manuscript I’m brining to market, but looking to take the e-Book plunge first. Do you read Michael Hyatt’s blog, by chance? Any of his platform-building content and secrets to self-publishing success? I’m a PR pro by day (and a control-freak at heart), so I kind of like the idea of manhandling every little part of the creation-design-selling process.

Again, thanks for starting a conversation about publishing, and the adventure of finding homes for our important stories!